5 Awesome Zero Waste Dishwashing Tips

Dishwashing is worse for the planet than. you might think – unless you make it zero waste!

By Bec Gregory

There’s a famous advert in the UK that depicts gatherings for milestones in our lives: birth, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, death. And what do they have in common? Dishes.

Yep, doing the dishes is something most of us do every single day. And way more after celebrations! While doing the dishes might seem like a small, everyday chore, the way we wash up can have a surprisingly large environmental footprint.

From plastic bottles of petroleum-based detergent to microplastic sponges and single-use paper towels, a conventional dishwashing routine quietly generates waste every single day. Over a year, that can mean hundreds of disposable items heading straight to landfill. Not to mention chemical residues and microplastics entering waterways.

The good news? With a few simple swaps, it’s entirely possible to create a zero waste, plastic-free dishwashing routine that’s just as effective (and often gentler on your skin, too).

Here’s how to wash dishes sustainably — from soap to sponge to towel — without compromising on cleanliness.

1. Choose Soap Wisely

Conventional dish soaps often rely on petroleum-derived surfactants, synthetic fragrances, dyes, and foaming agents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). While these ingredients may cut grease, they can irritate sensitive skin and harm aquatic ecosystems once washed down the drain.

For truly eco-friendly dishwashing, look for soaps that are:

Plant-based and biodegradable
Free from synthetic fragrance and dyes
Packaged without plastic (go for solid bars or refill systems)

Solid dish soaps and refillable powders are especially effective because they’re concentrated, long-lasting, and eliminate single-use packaging entirely.

Zero Waste Dish Soap Brands to Try

USA

Blueland Dish Soap Powder – Refillable metal tins; sprinkle directly onto a wet sponge.
Steve’s Cleaners – Vegan, palm-oil-free solid bar that cuts grease better than many liquids.
Common Good Dish Soap (Refillable) – Coconut-derived surfactants; available at bulk refill stations.
Cleancult Dish Soap – Biodegradable formula that makes for zero waste dishwashing thanks to their paper-based milk cartons.

Fill Refill Co. Washing Up Liquid – Bulk refill stations and chic glass bottles.
Miniml Eco Dishwashing Liquid – Palm-free, vegan, biodegradable, refillable.
Ecoleaf by Suma – Concentrated plant-based liquid available in bulk.
Soap Daze Dish Block – Handmade in Devon; plastic-free and long-lasting.

DIY option: Mix liquid Castile soap with baking soda and a few drops of lemon essential oil in a glass pump bottle for a homemade zero waste dishwashing alternative.

2. Swap Plastic Sponges for Sustainable Scrubbers

Most conventional kitchen sponges are made from polyurethane foam, which is really bad! This is a petroleum-based plastic that sheds microplastics every time it’s used. Those microplastics end up in waterways and, eventually, the food chain – and on your dishes, too!

Switching to natural, compostable scrubbers is one of the easiest zero waste upgrades you can make.

Look for materials such as:

Loofah
Coconut husk or coir
Cellulose
Wooden brushes with natural bristles

Planet-Friendly Sponge Alternatives

USA

ZWS Essentials Loofah Sponge – 100% compostable and plastic-free.
Full Circle Home Walnut Scrubber – Biodegradable sponge paired with walnut-shell scrubber.
EcoRoots Coconut Scrub Brush – Wooden handle, natural bristles.
EarthHero Cellulose Sponges – Made from wood pulp; home-compostable.

LoofCo Washing-Up Pad – Egyptian loofah; lasts for months.
Wild & Stone Bamboo Dish Brush – FSC-certified bamboo, replaceable head.
Seep Natural Cleaning Sponge – 100% renewable cellulose, certified compostable.

💡 Tip: When worn out, compost natural sponges. They’ll biodegrade in weeks, not centuries.

3. Ditch Paper Towels for Reusable Cloths

I’m not gonna lie: I was pretty shocked to learn that people actually dry dishes with paper towels! These may seem harmless, but they’re typically bleached, single-use, and wrapped in plastic. Replacing them with reusable dishcloths or tea towels dramatically reduces household waste. But here’s the thing: many are made from polyester or recycled bottles – both of which shed microplastics every time you dry. So to ensure yours are eco friendly and zero waste, get cotton tea towels, like one of these, below.

Zero Waste Drying Towels & Cloths

USA

Marley’s Monsters UNpaper Towels – Reusable cotton flannel rolls.
Swedish Dishcloths – Cellulose based and long-lasting. The fact that they’re compostable means they’re perfect for zero waste dishwashing.
See Also

Eco tips

15 Eco Friendly Wedding Gift Ideas All Newlyweds Will Love

Tabitha Eve Reusable Kitchen Roll – Organic cotton, handmade in Wales.
EcoLiving Swedish Dishcloths – Printed with water-based inks.

4. Reduce Water & Energy Waste While Washing

Zero waste dishwashing isn’t just about products — habits matter, too. If you want your dishes to be clean, and you want to save energy and water, here are my top tips:

Scrape plates instead of rinsing before washing
Use a basin rather than running the tap continuously
Wash in warm (not hot) water to save energy
Air-dry or towel-dry instead of using heat

A stainless steel or bamboo drying rack paired with organic cotton towels keeps things both efficient and energy-free. And they look nice, too!

5. Choose Low-Waste Dishwashing Accessories

Small accessories can make a big difference! That’s true both in terms of the environment, and your kitchen’s aesthetics.

Here are the top five plastic free dishwashing accessories I’d recommend to anyone.

Glass or stainless steel soap dispensers
Natural latex compostable gloves
Wooden (or bamboo) dish racks
Scrub brushes with replaceable heads
Gorgeous organic cotton tea towels that double as decor

FAQs About Zero Waste Dishwashing

Are solid dish soaps really as effective as liquid ones?
Yes. Solid dish soaps are highly concentrated and long lasting. One bar can replace two to three plastic bottles of liquid detergent.

What’s the best way to sanitize natural sponges?
Soak in white vinegar, run through the dishwasher’s top rack, or boil briefly. Avoid microwaving natural fibers.

How do I stop loofah sponges from going moldy?
Just rinse thoroughly and let them dry completely between uses. Proper airflow prevents odor and mold.

Are bamboo dish brushes truly eco-friendly?
Yes, as long as they’re FSC-certified and use natural bristles without plastic cores.

Which dish soaps are safe for septic systems?
Biodegradable, plant based soaps without borax or harsh salts are generally septic safe. Castile-based soaps are a good option.

Summing Up

Zero waste dishwashing isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention. Each plastic bottle, sponge, or paper towel you replace reduces pollution and conserves resources.

Luckily, with petroleum free dish soaps, compostable scrubbers, reusable cloths, and mindful habits, even the most mundane chore can become an act of environmental care. And you’ll have squeaky clean dishes, too!

Author
Recent Posts

Bec Gregory

Based in Cheshire, Bec has over 20 years’ experience in the beauty and wellness industry. She holds a degree in Cosmetic Science from the world-renowned London College of Fashion. She is currently studying a master’s in journalism at the University of Derby. Her most recent projects explore spiritual life in Britain and the effects of female-centred spirituality on women's wellness. Follow her on Instagram here.